One of the revolutionary commands of Jesus is to love our enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus challenges us with these words, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” What does this command truly mean for us as followers of Christ? Let us explore three essential points.
First, love has a transformative power.
The command to love our enemies goes beyond mere sentimentality; it calls us to embody a transformative love that transcends boundaries. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, understood that love has the power to break down the walls of hatred and heal wounds. By loving our enemies, we participate in a divine exchange, allowing God’s love to work through us, softening hearts and fostering reconciliation.
Second, love reflects the character of God.
At the heart of the command of Jesus to love our enemies lies a profound truth about the nature of God. Throughout the Bible, we encounter a God whose love knows no bounds, whose mercy extends to all creation, regardless of merit or worthiness.
In loving our enemies, we mirror the character of a God who showers grace upon the righteous and the unrighteous alike, who invites all to experience the transformative power of divine love. As followers of Christ, our capacity to love our enemies becomes a testament to the boundless nature of God’s love, a beacon of hope in a world longing for reconciliation and peace.
Third, radical love defies expectations.
The call of Jesus to love our enemies challenges conventional wisdom and societal norms. In a world where retaliation and retribution are oftentimes the reaction, Jesus presents us with a revolutionary alternative. He invites us to break the cycle of hatred and violence by extending love even to those who may oppose us or wish us harm. This radical love defies human logic but embodies the divine grace and mercy that Jesus exemplified throughout his life.
As followers of Christ, let us embrace the radical nature of His command to love our enemies. We cannot do it by our own strength. We can only do so if Jesus Christ is within us. May we find the strength to love even when it is difficult, trusting in the profound truth that love has the power to conquer all.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University